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The little big dog just got an upgrade! The Danish-Swedish farmdog is now a recognized AKC breed

This breed only just gained status, but has been around for up to 1,000 years

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danish swedish farmdog two puppies playing outside
Oszkár Dániel Gáti / Adobe Stock

Some dogs’ personalities don’t seem to match their size, and that’s especially true for the affectionately dubbed “little big dog,” officially the Danish-Swedish farmdog. Luckily for this compact beastie, the breed is now recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and can compete in club events where it’s likely to excel.

The Danish-Swedish farmdog charms owners with athleticism, an affectionate personality, and a fun, upbeat attitude. Could this newbie be right for you and your family? Read on for a full grasp of the Danish-Swedish farmdog’s temperament and history.

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History of the Danish-Swedish farmdog

A Danish–Swedish Farmdog carries a tennis ball in it's mouth towards the camera with both ears at attention
Aaron Jorbin / Adobe Stock

Hopefully it comes as no surprise, but the Danish-Swedish farmdog comes from Denmark and Sweden and lived across the countries, especially on farms. They go back even further, though, as some Viking burials have pups that seem remarkably similar and may be an ancestor from about 1,000 years ago.

While their numbers have diminished somewhat due to industrialization in those countries (which changed farming setups), the Danish-Swedish farmdog still has a solid hold in Europe and is expected to expand in America because of the recent announcement of its status. However, with this overall positive change comes a drawback: More breeding opportunities could entice some to follow unethical practices.

Breed traits and personality

If you thought you were looking at a Jack Russell terrier instead of this pooch, don’t feel bad. It’s easy to see the resemblance between them, particularly in coloring. However, the farmdog should end up just a bit bigger and stockier. Your new beastie will top out at about 20 pounds max and luckily that helps them live to teenagehood in many cases. There’s more great news here as well. The AKC doesn’t report any major known health issues, so you’ll have a good sturdy pup by your side if you choose this breed.

Since you know they have lived on farms for hundreds of years, it should come as no shock that they enjoy herding and hunting vermin, classic agricultural jobs for a canine. These instincts also help guide their nature and explain why their popularity is increasing. Specifically, if you decide to bring home this small guy, you’ll have a very trainable yet family-oriented bud that loves excitement. Keep in mind, this isn’t an apartment dog! You can’t expect them to enjoy big city living without a yard or enough room to run around. They’ll require daily exercise and may gravitate toward play or something like agility training.

No dog is right for every family, and you should do thorough research before bringing one home. Keep in mind, it’s not enough to just read about his characteristics — you need to meet your pup-to-be in person. If this breed is new to you, spend some time around them to confirm that you both gel, then fill your life with little big dog energy.

Rebekkah Adams
Rebekkah Adams
Former Contributor
Rebekkah’s been a writer and editor for more than 10 years, both in print and digital. In addition to writing about pets…
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